Cruz expects to return in time for OTAs

A knee injury will keep Victor Cruz from playing in the Giants' final two games this year, but Cruz is hopeful to return in time for offseason workouts.(AP)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz expects to recover from knee surgery in time to take part in offseason workouts in the spring.

Talking to the media for the first time since the Dec. 19 procedure on his left knee, Cruz stood without crutches Friday.

The team's leading receiver the past two seasons, Cruz concedes there seemed to be a ''disconnect'' between the receivers and quarterback Eli Manning this season, as the offense struggled. He wants to get together with Manning more in the offseason to re-establish a link.

Cruz says finishing two yards shy of 1,000 yards receiving did not cost him money. He hopes fellow receiver Hakeem Nicks can reach agreement on a new contract with the Giants.